Clinical Nursing Research RSS feed -- OnlineFirst Articles

A Pilot Study Assessing the Impact of a Learner-Centered Adult Asthma Self-Management Program on Psychological Outcomes

Tousman, S., Zeitz, H., Taylor, L. D. — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:47:15 PST

The purpose of the research was to determine if an adult asthma self-management program could significantly improve psychological outcomes for participants. Small groups of adults met for 2 hours for 7 consecutive weeks. Intervention techniques included interactive discussions, problem solving, social support, and a behavior modification procedure. The behavior modification procedure consisted of homework assignments in which participants were asked to self-monitor and record asthma-specific behaviors (peak expiratory flow monitoring, avoidance/removal of asthma triggers, and controller medication adherence) and general lifestyle behaviors (drinking water, washing hands, and exercising).Paired sample t tests indicated statistically significant improvements for the outcomes of quality of life, depression, and self-efficacy. Significant increases were found in knowledge and behaviors, such as peak-flow monitoring and frequency of daily exercise. These results provide initial evidence that our program was effective, although the small sample size and lack of control group indicate the need for further research.

Testing a Model of Delayed Care-Seeking for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Fox-Wasylyshyn, S. M, El-Masri, M., Artinian, N. T. — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:43:14 PST

A theory-testing approach to the study of delay in seeking treatment for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was performed using a descriptive design with 135 AMI patients. Participants provided information pertaining to history of AMI, symptom congruence, responses to symptoms, cardiac symptom attribution, and AMI care-seeking delay. Structural equation modeling fit indices suggested that the independent predictors of AMI care-seeking delay were cardiac symptom attribution and emotion-focused coping. History of AMI had a direct relationship with AMI care-seeking delay, but its total effect through symptom attribution and symptom congruence was not significant. The total effect of symptom congruence on AMI care-seeking delay was significant. In conclusion, the study findings highlight the importance of targeting cardiac symptom attribution and emotion-focused coping in interventions that are aimed at reducing AMI care-seeking delay.

Adolescent Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Follow-up Study

Kilty, H. L., Prentice, D. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:06:03 PST

Purpose: To assess the outcomes of a school nurse referral to a family physician for adolescents identified with elevated cholesterol or blood pressure risk factors. Method: Telephone survey interviews were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Findings: Data were collected on 178 adolescents through parent and adolescent interviews over a 3-month period. The main theme reported for not complying with the follow-up referral was that respondents did not perceive it as necessary or urgent. Of the approximately 60% who reportedly went to the physician, 58% had further tests, 10% were referred to specialists, and 3% were prescribed medications. Eating and exercise changes were reported by those who went for follow-up. Conclusion: Adolescent health-seeking behaviors can be influenced positively by school programs that involve families in discussion, nurses in risk identification, and referrals to physicians for follow-up